DATE: Tue, 8 Jun 2010 12:52:12 +1000
SUBJECT: New astrophotonics/astrophysics positions at MQ/AAO
Macquarie University (MQ) and the AAO are looking to appoint 2 outstanding researchers in Astrophotonics and Astronomy.
1) A new joint MQ/AAO continuing position in Astrophotonics level B (ref 22329)
2) An MQ 3-year fixed term SuperScience postdoctoral Fellowship in Astronomy with the AAO as a partner institute (ref 22328)
Both Applications Close: 30 July 2010.
Visit http://www.jobs.mq.edu.au to apply online.
Only applications submitted via the MQ Online Recruitment System will be accepted.
Refer to details below for further information
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1) Ref. 22329 Lecturer (Level B) in Astrophotonics – continuing Joint Macquarie University / Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) appointment
The appointee will jointly pursue active research at Macquarie University in the area of Astrophotonics within the MQ Photonics Research Centre in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and within the Instrument Science group at the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO, located just 2 km from Macquarie University). In addition, the appointee will contribute to teaching and other academic activities within relevant disciplines of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Significant contributions to Astrophotonics research-and-development within Macquarie University and the AAO are expected to benefit the Australian and international astronomical and photonics communities. This joint MQ/AAO position offers excellent opportunities to develop strong collaborative projects between the Macquarie University and AAO Astrophotonics groups.
The aim of Macquarie University's Department of Physics and Astronomy is to elevate the international standing of scientific and technological research that is already well established at Macquarie University. Intended additional outcomes from this appointment include growth in higher-degree research (HDR) student enrolment and completion rates by attracting and supporting quality HDR students and enhanced opportunities for Astrophotonics researchers to interact with external partners such as commercial organisations, government instrumentalities and other national and international Astrophotonics groups.
This particular appointment is in the specialised area of Astrophotonics, entailing development and application of photonic devices in the field of astronomy. It is strongly supported by both the AAO Instrument Science group, which designs and constructs instruments for the AAO and other telescopes, and by the MQ Photonics Research Centre, which undertakes fundamental and applied research in lasers and photonics including Astrophotonics. The AAO’s Instrument Science group leads research into new technologies for astronomical instrumentation and contributes to concept development and strategic planning for the Australian Astronomical Observatory and its facilities. Strong collaborative links between the AAO Instrument Science group and researchers in the MQ Photonics Research Centre are already well established, including co-supervised PhD students. The appointment is expected to further strengthen the existing links between the AAO and Macquarie University, including the MQ Photonics Research Centre in particular and the Department of Physics and Astronomy in general.
The successful applicant must have:
· A relevant doctoral degree (or equivalent academic experience/accreditation and standing)
· A proven record of ongoing research and publication, an active research program, and/or experience in industry-collaborative research
· Capacity and/or demonstrated ability to perform high-quality teaching
· Capacity and/or demonstrated ability to attract and successfully supervise research students
· Demonstrated ability to communicate/interact effectively with students, staff, and the community
· Capacity and/or demonstrated ability to attract research grants and/or industry support;
· Academic/professional experience and interests in the area of astrophotonics
· Australian Citizen or a valid working visa with full work rights prior to commencing this appointment
Appointment Type: Full-time, continuing
Enquiries: Associate Professor Michael Withford, phone +61 2 9850 7056 or Michael.withford@mq.edu.au
Additional AAO information: Professor Matthew Colless, phone +61 2 9372 4812 or director@aao.gov.au
Package: From $90,145 per annum, including base salary from $76,174 to $90,297 per annum, plus 17% employer’s superannuation and annual leave loading.
Significantly the appointment comes with $100k of start-up funds and the provision of two MQ research excellence PhD scholarships that are expected to be filled in the first year.
Applications Close: 30 July 2010. Applicants are also invited to include a one-page statement of ways in which they could contribute significantly to the above intended outcomes within the MQ Photonics Research Centre, with particular emphasis on Astrophotonics in association with the AAO.
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2) Ref. 22328 ARC Super Science Fellowship in Astronomy (one position)
The appointee will pursue a vigorous and significant research program on planetary nebulae under the direction of Professor Quentin Parker within the rapidly expanding Macquarie University (MQ) in Astronomy and Astrophysics group. The MQ Astronomy group enjoys very close links with the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) located nearby and the AAO is a partner institute on this proposal so the appointee would be expected to spend up to 1 third of their time at the AAO.
The MQ astronomy group’s research outputs and postgraduate student numbers have undergone rapid expansion over the last 5 years with current group membership about 35 (refer www.astronomy.mq.edu.au) making it one of the largest and most active astronomy groups in Australia. The group has recently emerged as a concentration of research excellence (CORE) within the University. We have now been awarded a series of 4 Super Science Fellowships (SSFs) from the Australian Research Council under an Australian Government initiative to attract the best and brightest early-career researchers from within Australia and around the world. In 2010 we are seeking outstanding early career applicants to fill the first of these SSF allocated to the field of Planetary Nebula research where MQ has built a considerable international reputation.
Project Summary: Planetary nebulae (PNe), the extended shrouds of dying stars, are a fascinating, brief period in the life of most stars. They are unique celestial laboratories thanks to their rich emission line spectra and are amongst the most beautiful and mysterious of objects. Behind their beauty hides the mystery of how stars return carbon, one of life's essential building blocks - to interstellar space. This project will address several significant astrophysical problems in the field via unique Australian data and instrumentation.
Intended additional outcomes from the appointment include: gaining peer-reviewed access to major facilities (AAT, Gemini and Magellan telescopes); winning major internal and external project grants; support for MQ's higher-degree research (HDR) student enrolment and completion rates; attracting high-quality HDR candidates in astronomy.
For SSF position applicants must have:
· A relevant doctoral degree or substantial equivalent academic experience/accreditation and standing awarded not more than 3 years before the commencement date
· A proven track record of ongoing research/publication with an emphasis on PNe
· An active research program
· The ability to attract and successfully supervise research students
· Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact effectively with students, staff, and the community
· Capacity and/or demonstrated ability to attract research grants
· Australian Citizenship or a valid working visa with full work rights prior to commencing the fellowship
Appointment Type: Full-time, 3 years fixed-term. Applicants must be available to commence before 31 December 2010 subject to visa availability.
Enquiries: Professor Quentin Parker, phone +61 2 9850 8910, e-mail quentin.parker@mq.edu.au
Package: From $90,145 per annum, including (Level B) base salary from $76,174 to $90,297 per annum, plus 17% employer’s superannuation and annual leave loading.
Additional support: A further $32K per year is attached to the project under the management of the project leader Prof. Parker to facilitate project support, observing trips, conferences etc. In addition an MQRES PhD scholarship is associated with this SSF award and the appointee is expected to co-supervise this PhD student.
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Prof. Quentin A Parker
Joint MQ/AAO lecturer in Astronomy
Degree director Astronomy & Astrophysics
CORE convenor Astronomy & Astrophysics